Turk Telekom has increased the capacity of its external internet connection, solving the internet access problem that had affected the country after the Algerian earthquake 27 days ago.

Turkey’s external internet access capacity will be higher than it used to be when fibrecables, which were severed after the earthquake in Algeria, are fully repaired. Currently, the connection is at the level of 1000 Mbps, but will eventually increase to a 2000 Mbps level.

The problem occurred after SMW3 submarine cables, operated by Singapore Telecom, were severed by the earthquake. Turk Telekom had argued that the situation could not be solved immediately because of the Act regarding Public Tender, but changed its mind when internet users protested.

In a signature campaign initiated by turk-internet.com, web users have demanded the immediate privatisation of Turk Telekom, and called for blocking moves preventing Turkey proceeding in such a manner to be stopped. The most significant question asked by the users was why only one carrier had been used for Turkey’s continental connection, a monopoly which proved to be disastrous when the earthquake struck.

While Singapore Telecom, responsible for the broken fibre cables, continues its repair works, the raised access capacity has been reached by installing new circuits of 155 and 622 Mbps opened to on 17 June. In light of the monopoly concerns, Turk Telekom emphasises that these lines will still be connected to the circuit after the original line is repaired, hence the higher capacity.

Presently Turk Telekom has satellite connections to France, Belgium, Germany and the UK in Europe and also at USA.